By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [1] def Francisco Cerundolo 6-4 6-4
- Norrie v Sebastian Baez [7]| H2H: First Meeting
LYON, FRANCE – Cameron Norrie is into the quarter-finals in Lyon after a straight sets win over Francisco Cerundolo and will now meet another Argentinian in the form of Sebastian Baez
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Cameron Norrie [1] def Francisco Cerundolo 6-4 6-4
Cameron Norrie defeated Francisco Cerundolo in his opening match in Lyon as the Brit looks to build late momentum towards Roland Garros next week. It was a tentative start from Norrie who was trying to work out Cerundolo’s game style and a few unforced errors conceded the break in the third game.
However Norrie broke straight back as he fended off the Argentinian’s aggressive shot-making, ensuring that the set was level at 2-2. Both players had to save break points throughout the set as both players showed why they need to play matches this week. After being denied two break points in the eighth game, Norrie’s variety and aggressiveness paid off in the tenth game as he broke to claim the opening set 6-4.
The second set saw both players into their rhythm a bit more with Norrie showing some aggressive patterns of play. Norrie’s aggressive shot selection and cleaner decisions saw a breakthrough in the sixth game as he broke through for a 4-2 lead. The advantage didn’t last long as Norrie created unforced errors and couldn’t respond to Cerundolo’s determined aggression, the Argentinian narrowed the gap to 4-3.
In the end though it was Cerundolo who faltered in the crucial moments as he looked to play high percentage shots but with minimal reward. A missed forehand saw Norrie claim victory on second match points as he booked his place in the last eight.
Cameron Norrie [1] v Sebastian Baez H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [1] v Sebastian Baez | H2H: First Meeting |
| ATP Lyon | Lyon, France |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €16,160 |
| TBC | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
Norrie now takes on another Argentinian in Sebastian Baez, who recently won Estoril a few weeks ago.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022 – Clay)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 11) | Sebastian Baez (WR 38) |
| Tournament Previous Best | Final (2021) | N/A |
| 1st Serve % | 68.4 | 71.7 |
| Service Games Won % | 78.3 | 75.6 |
| Break Points Saved % | 60 | 58.4 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 50.2 | 55.9 |
| Break Points Converted % | 40 | 44.2 |
The stats show Baez’s confidence in recent weeks on clay however Norrie’s serve still triumphs over the Argentinian’s.
Playing Styles and Prediction
Baez is thriving on his favourite surface having won Estoril beating the likes of Marin Cilic, Albert Ramos-Vinolas and Frances Tiafoe along the way as well as testing Alexander Zverev in Monte-Carlo. The Argentinian’s stubborn defence will give lots of players problems and not many players will want to draw him in the first week of Roland Garros.
Norrie will look to continue to use his variety and time his aggression well as he looks to build confidence in the attacking part of his game style. Baez will look to frustrate Norrie and force him into sloppy mistakes like he did against Cerundolo. This should be a tough test for the Brit and one he will benefit from heading into Roland Garros next week.
Prediction: Norrie in three sets.
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